Is balsamic vinegar healthy?

There are few clear and specific studies on the effects of balsamic vinegar, a product that has practically replaced traditional wine vinegar and that has been imposed on apple cider vinegar. Vinegars are generally examined as a “whole”, but the combinations of acids in each vinegar They can cause various health effects.

The acids and antioxidants of balsamic vinegar

balsamic vinegar contains different acids: acetic acid, gluconic acid, succinic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid and a small amount of lactic acid. All these substances come from grapes or appear in the natural process of making vinegar.

The same acids are found in roughly the same proportions in other types of vinegars, but balsamic It also contains a proportion of tannins and anthocyanins with antioxidant properties. This characteristic could imply health advantages of balsamic over other vinegars.

The antioxidant potential of balsamic vinegar is almost as high as that of spinach or chili, but it depends on the amount consumed, which is usually small. The main active ingredient in vinegar continues to be acetic acid.

balsamic vinegar for blood sugar

The acetic acid in vinegar can help regulate blood sugar levels. Several studies have shown that vinegar or pickled vegetables, when consumed with a meal, can prevent a rapid and sudden increase in blood sugar. To achieve this effect, approximately 20 ml (2 tablespoons) of vinegar is required for every 50 g of carbohydrates, found, for example, in 2 slices of bread or 150 g of cooked rice.

In the studies, subjects who had consumed the vinegar also felt full longer, so the participants who had consumed a serving of vinegar for breakfast also consumed fewer calories throughout the day.

Balsamic and high blood pressure

Balsamic vinegar could also have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, for example in lowering blood pressure, according to a study carried out with laboratory animals where it was found that after 6 weeks the systolic blood pressure dropped by about 20 mmHg.

According to the study authors, vinegar inhibits the renin-angiotensin system, a control circuit for various hormones and proteins that, among other things, regulate blood pressure. This effect could be due to the fact that the vinegar it improves the absorption of calcium from food, which is also an advantage for the bones.

balsamic vinegar and cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is a risk factor for arteriosclerosis and therefore also for heart attacks and strokes. Oxidized LDL cholesterol is considered particularly unfavorable in this regard.

In in vitro tests, balsamic vinegar can inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, but, in the actual diet, vinegar alone can’t do much. It is necessary that the entire diet meets the best conditions to control cholesterol.

balsamic vinegar for wounds

Balsamic vinegar is also a natural remedy for the care of superficial wounds. This is not surprising, because the acids have an antibacterial and antiviral effect and also fight fungal infections. If you have hurt yourself and you have run out of disinfectants in the medicine cabinet, you can resort to vinegar, but keep in mind that acids burn.

Vinegar for stuffy nose

Vinegar is also an old home remedy for a stuffy nose. So if you have a cold and have nothing but balsamic vinegar at home, you can put a few drops in hot water and inhale the steam. This remedy is not indicated for COVID-19.

Balsamic vinegar for fructose intolerance

If you suffer from fructose intolerance, the question of whether you can use a balsamic vinegar is not an easy one to answer. 100 g of traditionally produced balsamic vinegar contain between 15 and 29 g of glucose and between 13 and 27 g of fructose.

The glucose to fructose ratio in balsamic vinegar is usually around 1:1, which is a good sign (but is subject to natural fluctuations, because each vinegar is made differently, matures at different times, etc.)

However, cheap balsamic vinegars may have added caramelized sugar. Different types of sugars such as fructose, glucose, sucrose, etc. are used, which naturally affects the ratio of fructose and glucose in the final product. Therefore, take a close look at the ingredient list on balsamic vinegar before you buy it.

In conclusion, most people affected by fructose intolerance could tolerate small amounts of high-quality balsamic vinegar in their regular diet.

Side Effects of Balsamic Vinegar and Other Vinegars

The acid content of balsamic vinegar (around 6%) can also cause it to excessive amounts irritate the esophagus and stomach. Therefore, no more than 2 tablespoons should be consumed per day, but this applies to all vinegars.

Sensitive people may also react with heartburn to the consumption of balsamic vinegar and other vinegars. In this case, use it sparingly or try alternative dressings such as freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice, as they are usually better tolerated.

These alternatives are the best option, too, for people with histamine intolerance, found in fermented products such as vinegar.

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